Measurements of Daily Variations in the Subsurface Wetness Gradient

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Abstract
A flat condenser in strip-line technique has been developed to measure the gradient in liquid water content near the snow surface. This dielectric sensor is connected to a twin-T-bridge with an operating frequency of 27 MHz. The special design of the sensor allows the non-destructive measurement of the mean dielectric constant of underlying material at two different depths of 0 to 2 cm, and of 2 to 4 cm below the snow surface. Based on the model of Polder and van Santen, changes in the gradient of liquid water content can be calculated from measured changes in the dielectric constant in different depths; the density has to be measured separately. Results of measurements of wetness gradient with this flat capacitative sensor are given. Field measurements have been carried out in the Stubai Alps (3100 m a.s.1.) and at the Hafelekar (2256 m a.s.l.) near Innsbruck.

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